for: Code reuse

Reuse is to use an item more than once. This includes conventional reuse where the item is used again for the same function, and new-life reuse where it is used for a new function. In contrast, recycling is the breaking down of the used item into raw materials which are used to make new items. By taking useful products and exchanging them, without reprocessing, reuse help us save time, money, energy and resources. In broader economic terms, reuse offers quality products to people and organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity that contribute to the economy.

Historically, financial motivation was one of the main drivers of reuse. In the developing world this driver can lead lead to very high levels of reuse, however rising wages and consequent consumer demand for the convenience of disposable products has made the reuse of low value items such as packaging uneconomic in richer countries, leading to the demise of many reuse programs. Current environmental awareness is gradually changing attitudes and regulations, such as the new packaging regulations, are gradually beginning to reverse the situation.

The classic example of conventional reuse is the doorstep delivery of milk in refillable bottles; other examples include the retreading of tires and the use of reusable plastic boxes (transit packing) instead of single-use cardboard cartons.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Energy and raw materials savings as replacing many single use products with one reusable one reduces the number that need to be manufactured.

• Reduced disposal needs and costs.

• Refurbishment can bring sophisticated, sustainable, well paid jobs to underdeveloped economies.

• Cost savings for business and consumers as a reusable product is often cheaper than the many single use products it replaces.

• Some older items were better handcrafted and appreciate in value.

Disadvantages are also apparent:

• Reuse often requires cleaning or transport, which have environmental costs.

• Some items, such as freon appliances or infant auto seats, could be hazardous or less energy efficient as they continue to be used.
• Reusable products need to be more durable than single use products, and hence require more material per item. This is particularly significant if only a small proportion of the reusable products are in fact reused.

• Sorting and preparing items for reuse takes time, which is inconvenient for consumers and costs money for businesses.

Reuse Centers & Virtual Exchanges

These services facilitate the transaction and redistribution of unwanted, yet perfectly usable, materials and equipment from one entity to another. The entities that benefit from either side of this service (as donors, sellers, recipients, or buyers) can be businesses, nonprofits, schools, community groups, and individuals. Some maintain a physical space (a reuse center), and others act as an matching service (a virtual exchange). Reuse centers generally maintain both warehouses and trucks. They take possession of the donated materials and make them available for redistribution or sale. Virtual exchanges do not have physical space or trucks, but instead allow users to post listings of materials available and wanted (for free or at low cost) on an online materials exchange website. Staff will help facilitate the exchange of these materials without ever taking possession of the materials.